In a world of overpriced studios, Maisie, founder of The Clubhouse, is committed to making Pilates classes in the North East affordable
We all know that Pilates has been huge for quite some time now. There’s this whole trend of being a “Pilates princess,” activewear companies are creating the most beautiful Pilates sets, and if there is a perfect space to open a matcha place – you best believe it’s right next door to a Pilates studio.
Somewhere along the way, Pilates became more than just a workout. It turned into a lifestyle. Aesthetic, aspirational, and, at times, a little exclusive.
But what if movement wasn’t about fitting into a certain image? What if it was about feeling welcome, supported and part of something bigger?
That’s exactly what Maisie, founder of The Clubhouse, is building in the North East: a community-led movement space where Pilates is for everybody. Yes, affordability matters but it’s part of a wider mission rooted in inclusivity, connection and breaking down the idea that wellness belongs to a select few.
Maisie’s journey to creating a welcoming, stereotype-smashing Pilates community has been one of bravery, intention and, ultimately, success.
Looking on your Instagram, I’ve noticed that you moved from a very successful sales job to being a Pilates instructor. Can you tell me a bit about how that came about?
Sure. I was in recruitment and then sales straight out of university. I studied geography, and like a lot of people, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. I applied for jobs, and that’s how I ended up in sales.
I had always been told by my parents to take a job that earns the most money. Sales seemed to fit that, and I was good at it. But I didn’t see long-term viability in it. The work had extreme highs and lows, and I could feel my mental health declining. I realised that even though I reached the goal of earning a good salary, I wasn’t happy.
I started looking for other options, initially considering similar companies, but eventually I realised that it wasn’t the company – it was the sector. I needed to step away. So I took the leap of quitting my job before I had qualified in anything else. I purchased a Pilates instructor course the month I quit. Since sales had been such a good earner, I didn’t need to work for a while, which gave me space to focus on this new path.
I made the switch because I wanted to find what brought me joy. People say, “If you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That’s partially true. I now absolutely love what I do, but I work more than ever. I’m a Pilates instructor, a graphic designer, and wear many hats.
What year did you start this journey?
In 2024. I quit my job in April and began my training, which takes four to six months. I started teaching one-to-one sessions – very humble beginnings. I’d moved back home to Newcastle from London and taught in my mum’s back garden to anyone who would come.
At first, I earned less than £50 a week. My mum kept saying, “Trust the process. Hard work beats talent every time.” That’s what I held onto.
After around six months in Newcastle, I went back to London for about a year and taught in some incredible studios. That chapter was a huge turning point for me. It’s where I really began shaping the bigger vision.
I hosted events like Pilates in the Park and combined Pilates and meditation sessions, and I started inviting other female founders to speak; including a women’s hormonal health specialist. It was all about bringing people together to move, to learn, and to have open conversations.
That period really cemented my long-term goal: to build community through shared movement and shared knowledge. I think we’re all craving genuine connection and lived experience, rather than endlessly searching online for the next place to go:
It’s true that success is mostly about hard work. How has it been growing your audience and your business so far?
It’s been amazing to see. Pilates is booming, especially online. When I started training two years ago, it was really starting to take off. People love trends, and Pilates is accessible for all levels. If taught correctly, each person feels challenged, and that’s part of why it’s so popular.
Might seem like a silly question, but what’s the difference between Pilates and yoga?
There’s quite a difference. Yoga is an ancient, community-driven practice with many levels. Pilates was originally designed for rehabilitation, helping injured soldiers recover. It has a structured set of movements. Both are challenging, use body weight, and can be mindful. Yoga emphasises mindfulness more naturally, but mindfulness can be added to Pilates, which is how I teach my classes.
I always start classes with breathwork to help participants relax and release any anxiety they might have. It really helps to ground you before we begin. I try to create a community vibe, where people can laugh, feel included, and not worry about doing something wrong.
Your classes with The Clubhouse are quite unique. You don’t have a studio but you move across different locations in the North East, is that right?
Yes. Since moving back to Newcastle, I’ve taught in several studios, and I’m genuinely so grateful for that experience. I learned a huge amount from working in those spaces and being a part of different teams. But ultimately, I knew I wanted the freedom to work for myself, to build something that felt fully aligned with my values, without having to follow someone else’s rules on how things should be done.
Now, instead of being rooted in one studio, I rent local spaces across the North East and bring classes directly into the community at a price people can afford. On any given weeknight, you’ll find me somewhere different, whether it’s Ponteland, Ouseburn, Heaton or North Shields. For me, building community means bringing it to people rather than expecting them to travel to one central space.
With Pilates being so popular, many studios now charge £20–£35 per class which, having seen the industry from the inside, I do think can be excessive. Those price points can unintentionally restrict who feels able to attend. I want movement to feel open, welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Pilates is often seen as a female-dominated field. Do men attend your classes?
There’s definitely space for men. A few attend, often brought by partners. Some men don’t realise that these classes are open to them too, I even get messages from some asking if it’s okay for them to join. When they do, they’re sometimes surprised by the challenge but usually want to keep coming. In short, yes, there is definitely space for men in Pilates. I want to break the stigma that Pilates is only for women!
If there was one feeling you wanted clients to leave with after a class, what would it be?
Joy. I love seeing people laugh, connect, and enjoy movement. It’s about leaving the class feeling happy and fulfilled.
What do you love most about Pilates personally?
I love how it makes me feel. It’s low-impact but effective. As someone with PCOS, high-impact workouts didn’t suit me, but Pilates worked with my body. It helps me feel strong, in rhythm, and confident. For me, it’s about feeling good in my body rather than focusing on weight.
What does self-care mean to you?
Self-care is taking time for yourself. I journal daily, which works like a mini therapy session. It helps me process my thoughts and reset mentally, making me stronger and more confident.
What’s next for you?
There’s something very exciting potentially happening behind the scenes – a purchase I’m currently working on that isn’t offered anywhere else in the North East. It’s something I trained in while I was in London, and I genuinely think Newcastle would love it.
In the meantime, my main focus is continuing to grow that community through weekly classes and thoughtful collaborations with other North East businesses. I love creating experiences that feel bigger than just the workout. Think Pilates and meditation, Pilates followed by matcha, and even events where people leave with goodie bags!
There are lots of exciting classes and events in the pipeline, so I’d encourage people to keep an eye out. The best way to stay in the loop is by subscribing to my website for the latest updates.
How can people best support you and your business?
Word of mouth is the most powerful support. I offer the first class free so people can experience it and share their experience with friends and family. Spreading the love is the best way to help.